Helen Ebelt Bayles, 85, was reunited with her eternal sweetheart, Grant, on November 19, 2012.

After struggling many years with Alzheimer’s, she passed away quietly and peacefully, at home, accompanied by her three daughters.

In addition to her husband, she was reunited with her infant son Clark; her sisters Laura Ebelt and Peggy Lyman; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Helen was born October 14, 1927, in Salt Lake City, UT to William Henry Ebelt and Elsie Shupe.

She graduated from Grand County High School in Moab, UT. According to family legend, Helen and Grant (who was from Blanding) met at a dance after a basketball game between their high schools. Grant saw her beautiful dark hair and was captivated. But when Helen turned around, Grant instantly knew he would marry her!

Grant served in the Marines in the Pacific during World War II. After his return, he and Helen were married on May 17, 1946, in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple.

They returned to Blanding, where Grant returned to the family farming and ranching businesses, while Helen became the matriarch of a large and faithful family.

Helen’s most endearing qualities are her love of her husband, her boundless love for her family, and her love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

She especially had a soft spot for her grandchildren and their children. For these little joys, she maintained an amply-stocked pantry with all of the required childhood foods.

If you ask Mom and Dad, they will tell you they have the most wonderful children in the world. But the children credit Mom and Dad with teaching them the way they should live.

They spent many hours on their knees, praying for direction on how to raise their family. They decided the best pattern was to follow the prophet. If he said to have family prayer, they had family prayer both morning and night. When the prophet said to have Family Home Evening, they started that practice and continued it their entire married lives (even after the children were married).

They participated in all church functions, held callings, and taught their children the gospel. They gave each child a foundation of faith and faithfulness.

They also encouraged each child in their musical training, sports, scouting, and educational endeavors.

Their family was absolutely the most important thing in their lives. There is no doubt in the mind of their children, in-laws, and grandchildren that Mom and Dad loved each one of them with all their hearts and that they were willing to make any sacrifice for them.

Mom loved music her entire life. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, and she shared her talents through performing solos, as well as conducting choirs.

She was the conductor of the San Juan Stake Singing Mothers Choir, which performed in General Conference. She also served as Relief Society President in four different wards.

Mom and Dad served LDS missions at the Utah County LDS Cannery and Saint George Temple.

They traveled extensively, including South America, Hong Kong and China.

Card of thanksOur family would like to thank Becky Williams, Jay Morgan Senior Center, Hearts For Hospice, and Dr. Steven Cherrington, for caring for Mom. Also a special thanks to Shauna and Lyle and their family for caring for Mom and allowing her to stay in the comforts of her own home.

The San Juan Record welcomes comments on our stories. Please be civil, respectful, focused and humane. Postings are not edited and are the responsibility of the author. You agree not to post comments that are abusive, threatening or obscene. Postings may be removed at the discretion of sjrnews.com